Jericho Willie took the $7,500 featured pace on Saturday (June 10) at Vernon Downs.
Stewardoftheland went straight to the lead and led to the quarter in :27.4. He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :57. He was still on the point to three-quarters in 1:26. As they made the turn for home, Jericho Willie popped the out of the pocket and challenged for the lead. Stewardoftheland and Jericho Willie were shoulder to shoulder all the way down the stretch. Jericho Willie used one late surge to win in 1:53.2. Stewardoftheland had to settle for second. Ocean Blue finished third.
Jericho Willie is a seven-year-old gelding by Rock N Roll Heaven. He is trained by Misty Carey for owners Michael Kessler and Speed To Burn Racing Stable. It was his third win of the season and the 27th victory of his career. Frank Affrunti drove the $7.70 winner.
Affrunti drove a natural hat trick to end the evening. Steeven Genois had a driving double. Michelle Warner had a training double.
(Vernon Downs)